# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours Legacy of Nichola de la Haye with Inaugural Memorial Lecture
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, last evening hosted the inaugural Nichola de la Haye Memorial Lecture in London, honouring the medieval heroine and supporting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
The lecture was held within the distinguished, Grade I listed environs of The Royal Society of Arts, a venue whose own history of intellectual and social enlightenment provided a fitting backdrop. In the Benjamin Franklin Room, under the gaze of portraits depicting centuries of British ingenuity, an assembly of historians, diplomats, philanthropists, and friends of the House gathered.
The atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection and quiet purpose. As autumn evening descended over John Adam Street, guests were received in a setting that spoke to the evening’s theme: the enduring relevance of historical leadership. The occasion marked a new initiative in the cultural calendar of the House of Brattleby, bridging its ancient past with its present-day commitments.
## Historical Context
The lecture centred on the life of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby and a formidable figure in thirteenth-century England. As hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, she famously defended it against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Her stand was pivotal, culminating in William Marshal's victory at the Second Battle of Lincoln in 1217.
Nichola’s story is a singular chapter in the near-millennial history of the Barony of Brattleby, which traces its origins to AD 1066. The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Subsequent Barons have included figures of national importance such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This lecture reaffirms the direct lineage of principle and duty connecting these figures to the present day.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. They were joined by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
Distinguished guests included His Excellency Mr Radu-Mihai Dobre, the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's; The Right Honourable The Earl of Yarborough, whose own lineage is deeply rooted in the history of Lincolnshire; Professor Dame Alistair Finch, Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge, who delivered the evening’s lecture; and Ms. Sarah Jacobs, Chief Executive of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening's proceedings commenced with a reception, allowing guests to convene before being seated for the formal lecture. The dress code observed was Lounge Suit, maintaining a respectful formality for the academic and philanthropic nature of the event.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile delivered the opening remarks, welcoming guests and framing the historical importance of Nichola de la Haye. He then introduced Professor Dame Alistair, whose lecture, titled *‘Fortitudine et Honore: Nichola de la Haye and the Defence of the Realm’*, offered new insights into the Baroness's strategic and political acumen. The lecture was followed by closing remarks from Lady Nicoleta, who spoke on the modern application of her predecessor's legacy, particularly through philanthropy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening was woven through with the twin mottos of the House. The ancient Brattleby motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitudine and Honour'), was the lecture's central theme, perfectly encapsulating Nichola de la Haye’s courageous and principled defence of Lincoln. It speaks to a legacy of resilience and unwavering duty that has defined the Barony for centuries.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic, forward-looking spirit of the House today, interpreting 'conquest' not in martial terms, but as the overcoming of contemporary challenges through enterprise, diplomacy, and charitable endeavour. Together, the mottos signify a synergy of ancient honour and modern action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The inaugural lecture was held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation chosen for its profound resonance with the Barony's historical duty of protection. The charity provides specialist therapeutic care, including art therapy and intensive counselling, for children across the United Kingdom suffering from the effects of trauma, abuse, or conflict.
The mission of Healing the Wounded Child—to restore safety and hope to the most vulnerable members of society—mirrors the historic charge of a feudal baron to defend the inhabitants of their domain. By supporting this cause, the House of Brattleby translates its ancient responsibility of stewardship into a meaningful, modern philanthropic context, affirming that the protection of the innocent remains a *sine qua non* of noble duty.
## In Their Own Words
Addressing the assembly, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on her predecessor’s legacy. — "Nichola de la Haye was far more than a historical figure; she embodies the enduring principle of stewardship. Her fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds is a powerful reminder that our duty to serve and protect is not a relic of the past but a living, breathing commitment to the present."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the connection between history and future action. — "History is not merely to be studied; it is a source of strength and a call to action. Through this lecture series, we seek to ensure that the powerful legacy of those who came before us, *inter alia*, informs and inspires our work today. We honour their memory best through our own purposeful endeavours."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Nichola de la Haye Memorial Lecture is to become an annual event, reinforcing the House's commitment to education and the celebration of its unique heritage. The event will continue to serve as a platform for historical scholarship and to support the work of charities dedicated to the welfare of children and the vulnerable.
This new initiative joins the established philanthropic and cultural work of the House, which includes the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, and the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest. Through these efforts, The Noble House of Brattleby continues to fulfil its centuries-old pledge: to serve with fortitude and honour.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the twin imperatives of heritage and progress. The House actively manages the preservation of its near-millennial history while pursuing a modern programme of cultural diplomacy, education, and philanthropy. Its core charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the Bucharest-based etiquette academy, the House champions the enduring values of service, honour, and civic responsibility in the 21st century. The family's work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of profound historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted lineage and historical standing of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status was formally gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com